Ileftgood

I’ve made it to my first destination; Auckland, New Zealand. Despite flying in one of the largest airliners ever built (a Boeing 747), I still managed to end up in a middle seat between two people. Luckily, they were two very nice people. The woman to my left was from Wellington, returning home after a two week climbing trip to Boulder, Colorado. The gentlemen to my right was originally from the Bay area, but had spent the summer working in Minnesota hiking through the forests with a group of underprivileged teens. He was moving to New Zealand for an undetermined amount of time. When the free international booze cart rolled around, we cheered each other on the adventures we had accomplished and the ones we were about to partake. Thankfully, the flight was not totally full, which allowed folks the opportunity to move about. Eventually, I ended up with the row to myself and was able to stretch out for a bit and promptly fell asleep.

I arrived at the airport well before dawn break. And on the 20th. Which means I lost the 19th all together. That international dateline is a trip. As it turns out, nothing is open anywhere at 5 a.m. I putzed around the airport for a bit waiting to get in contact with the bus tour that I had planned on joining. Their next available departure date will be on Friday the 22nd. I ended up getting in contact with a hostel in the middle of the city. I was able to get a private room; which I felt necessary at least for my first couple nights. The place is pleasant enough; clean and simple room with a fridge and view of a couple of nice looking office buildings across the street; a small refrigerator; chair; bed; that’s about it. Despite my sleep on the plane the twelve hour flight from L.A. still just about did me in, so I started my day off right; with a nap. I woke up around noon got some stuff together and decided to hit the streets. My timing really couldn’t have been better. As I exited the hostel, people had gathered along the street for an apparent parade. Oh, what a parade. It started out a little strange. You could hear people from down the line starting to cheer. I mean, really cheer. Hooting; hollering; yelping, I think even. As the parade drew closer it became apparent why the cheers were far more enthusiastic than at most other parades you may attend. Apparently the theme for this parade was the adult entertainment industry. My first step onto the streets of Auckland and I was greeted by several bare-breasted ladies. What a country! The whole thing lasted less than twenty minutes; which is just about as long as most adult entertainment venues should last; then everything was back to normal. Or so I assume. Never having been here before, I’m not sure what normal is. That whole event could have been the most normal thing all day. If it happens again tomorrow, I’ll know for sure. Also if it happens again, I’m buying a lottery ticket. 

All that nakedness made me a little hungry, so I opted to find a place eat. The weather here is turning from winter to spring. The city itself actually reminds me a lot of Seattle. There’s water everywhere; the streets are not laid out on any kind of understandable grid; they’ve even got a Space Needle type thing. Though, the spring here is more like the transition from our summer to fall…a bit brisk, but still enough sunlight you don’t want to slit your wrists (that one’s for you T-Bone). I ended up finding an Irish pub. Sometimes the things that are most familiar to you are necessary when you’re far away…at least at the beginning. So, I ordered a Guinness and a shot of Jameson to start, along with a roasted lamb sandwich smothered with onion gravy and a side of chips. I found a table close to a fire and set up there with my journal and book. I completely felt at home for that brief moment. I ate my sandwich (delicious) and drank my drinks and wrote for a bit. An older gentlemen had come into the pub at this point and I noticed him looking at me for sometime before he sat down. Based on the conversations he was having with the bartender and a few others in the pub, I thought he was a nice enough fellow. When I decided to get my second Guinness, I thought I’d try and engage him in conversation…figure out what it is the locals do around here. That’s why I’m here, after all…meet people…gather stories. On my way back from the bar to my seat, the gentlemen actually approached me first. He said something to the effect of, “You don’t usually see Asians with their head shaved. Was that your choice?” An interesting ice breaker and a little hard to understand what with his thick “kiwi” accent. It got better. Yes, I replied, it was by choice, I told him, I just find it easier this way. Then he one-upped me…”I had a young Asian boyfriend a while back…shaved everything…except his head.” Is that right? I replied, sipping my beer attempting to take the statement as easily as I might had he said something far less awkward like, ‘I like chocolate’. “Yes,” he continued, “why, I myself don’t mind going clean all the way down there, but never once had I ever thought to shave my head.” Well, I said, you should give it a try sometime…it’s quite liberating. It wasn’t until after those words left my mouth did I realize how silly they were. This man had no need to feel liberated…this man had clearly been liberated long ago. After that, the conversation gracelessly ceased. I returned to my beer and opened my journal determined to not forget a word of the exchange. The gentlemen finished his drink before me and as he headed out he came to my attention again and said, “Good luck to you, and try to stay out of trouble.” Haunting words…haunting, intangible words.

I regret nothing,

-N

I had a hard time deciding when and how to begin the online travel journal. I decided on the morning of departure. Currently, I’m sitting in the breakfast nook of my friend Mike’s house in Wallingford. I’ve had a shot of coffee. I’ve uploaded new albums on my iPod. I’ve completed the last minute tasks I’ve needed to complete. Soon my friend Aaron, or “Schmapdey”, as I call him will pick me up and help me run my few last minute errands, then drop me off at Sea-Tac Int’l airport where I will board a plane for L.A. en-route to Auckland, New Zealand.

 

The distance from Seattle to Auckland is roughly 7,020 miles; quite the distance for sure. It’s a little daunting to think this is only the first step of my journey. Right now I’m at a point where anticipation and anxiety meet; that wonderful place where you’re not sure if what you’re feeling is excitement or terror. It’s probably a healthy combination of the two. If you’re reading this, you probably know who I am and where I’m about to go. Maybe you just know who I am and not where I’m going and are wondering why anyone would freak out about a trip to New Zealand. For you, the list…the list I’ve gone over time and time again with countless people to which I’ve received the “go f*ck yourself” look. Nonetheless, here’s the list as it stands:

 

New Zealand to

Australia to

China to

S. Korea (possibly) to

China (again) to

Vietnam to

Cambodia to

Laos to

Thailand to

India to

Turkey to

Greece to

Rome to

Morocco to

Cameroon to

Morocco (again…for a day) to

Abu Dabi (just for a layover) to

South Africa to

Argentina to

Chile to

Peru to

L.A. to

Hawaii (where I may eventually set up a homestead)

(For a time reference, I should wrap up my around the world travels around mid-May)

 

So there it is; the reason for my excited terror. Don’t get me wrong…I love traveling. It’s one of my passions. I can’t imagine living life without the exhilaration of seeing lands, meeting people, eating foods and delving into cultures previously only known through books and quality television programs (thank you Anthony Bourdain). But this is something new for me. Never have I been away to so many places for such a long period of time. It’s an adventure; it’s a test; it’s what I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to have this opportunity…and thank all those who helped me get to this point. Okay…my ride is here and I must go. I’ll update as often as possible and let you know where to send bail money.

 

Avenge my death,

-N